By Ron White
The Florida Keys turns everything you thought about camping on its ear. The Keys' tropical climate provides year-round camping, and the diversity of the campsites caters to all tastes. The Keys offer three state parks, one national park and a dozen private campgrounds and KOA
resorts.
Key West and its restaurants and nightlife provide plenty of high-octane entertainment, and the campgrounds provide a place to unwind and enjoy swimming, snorkeling and fishing.
Wows and Woes
Camping at Bahia Honda State Park is extremely popular due to the proximity of campsites to the water.
At Dry Tortugas National Park, campers ride a ferry 70 miles to the park, which has 11 primitive sites. Bahia Honda State Park was named the best beach in the continental United States in 1992. In Key Largo, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the nation's first underwater park, and it features a 30,000-gallon saltwater aquarium at its visitors center.
Booking a camping reservation in the Keys is difficult because of its popularity among vacationers. Weather also plays an issue. Summer heat can be extreme, and some parks provide little shade. The threat of tropical weather also poses a threat.
Insider Tips
Fort Jefferson is one of many highlights at Dry Tortugas National Park.
Bahia Honda State Park fills quickly for popular weekends such as Independence Day and Christmas. Book your reservation a year in advance to ensure access.
Bring everything you need to Dry Tortugas National Park. There is no camp store, and 70 miles is a long way to swim for a glass of water.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
Nothing quite beats the sensory overload one receives at Bahia Honda State Park. At night, the fire crackled and the waves crashed in my ears while the sweet taste of chocolate s'mores sent my taste buds to culinary heaven. Then, after a good night's sleep, the vision of the rising sun over the water helped me understand just how dynamic and beautiful our world is.
Bottom Line
The Keys provide a great respite from winter and work. Campers enjoy tranquility and surreal beauty in the land made famous by musician Jimmy Buffett's party songs.
Resources
About the Author:
Based in Central Florida, Ron White is a freelance journalist and stay-at-home dad. A former editor at a Central Florida daily newspaper, White now writes frequently for the "Daytona Beach News-Journal" and "Orlando Sentinel." He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Eastern Illinois University.
